Illustrator Helen Ridley

In this episode , Steve Folland interviews Helen Ridley, a freelance illustrator who has carved a unique niche in live event illustration. Helen shares her inspiring journey from studying fashion design to working in retail for over a decade and finally making the leap to full-time freelance illustration during the 2020 lockdown. She discusses the challenges and rewards of building her business, the importance of pitching and persistence once you have a contact, and her success with live portraits at events, including a notable partnership with John Lewis. Helen’s not just pursuing her passion. She’s focussed her freelancing on what’s actually profitable. Helen also delves into her collaborative creative workshops and retreats, strategies for email marketing and PR for freelancers, and the value of community and networking in the freelance world. 00:35 Steve Folland's Introduction and Riverside Sponsorship 01:21 Helen's Journey to Freelancing 04:15 Transition to Live Illustration 09:07 Success with John Lewis and Pet Portraits 17:14 The 100 Rejections Challenge 20:58 Collaborating on Creative Workshops 25:49 Unexpected Bookings from Podcasts and Events 26:46 The Power of Email Marketing 28:10 Balancing Marketing and Live Events 32:09 The Role of a Part-Time Job 33:49 Promoting Yourself and Winning Awards 41:54 Fun Facts: Two Truths and a Lie Game 48:48 Advice for Aspiring Freelancers EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE Record high quality video & audio with Riverside. See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan. Head to: beingfreelance.com/riverside JOIN THE COMMUNITY You're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends). beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU! The Being Freelance course is made for you! Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCH Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on: Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland Being Freelance is hosted and created by freelance podcast editor Steve Folland.